From This Old House.
In this video, if you take care of them, gas mowers can last up to 10 years or more. But that requires some specific maintenance, and landscape contractor Lee Gilliam will explain exactly what that looks like.
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Gas-powered mowers and small engines of all kinds are truly simple machines. However, they do require maintenance to keep them running properly and to prevent damage. When host Kevin O’Connor had some questions about lawn mower maintenance, he turned to landscape contractor Lee Gilliam for a rundown.
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Where to find it?
Lawn mower shown: DeWalt 21” Gas Self-Propelled Walk Behind Lawn Mower [https://homedepot.sjv.io/yq5PNB]
Fuel Maintenance
Fuel stabilizer: STA-BIL Storage Fuel Stabilizer [https://amzn.to/45CwEzS] —keeps gasoline fresh while engine is in storage.
Fuel treatment: STA-BIL Fast Fix Small Engine Treatment [https://amzn.to/41Vm8kU] —fast acting treatment to use if the engine is having rough or no starts because of issues from ethanol blended gasoline.
Ethanol-free fuel: VP Racing Fuels 4-Cycle Small Engine Fuel [https://amzn.to/3HN7gOQ] —ethanol-blended gas causes varnish buildup, gumming, and corrosion in small engines. Ethanol-free fuel can extend the engine’s life, reduce maintenance, and make for smoother starting.
Carburetor Maintenance
Carburetor cleaning kit for lawn mower and small engines [https://amzn.to/4g8sgw3] —to clean out jets and passages.
Carburetor cleaner: Gumout Carb/Choke Carburetor Cleaner Spray [https://amzn.to/47js22W]
Spark Plug Maintenance
Spark plug replacement: based on the make and model of your lawn mower.
Oil Maintenance
Check owner’s manual for oil recommendations. Oil recommendations vary based on temperature ranges of your climate. The most common oils for lawn mowers are:
SAE 30: best for warmer temperatures. Most common type of oil for lawn mowers.
SAE 10W-30: larger temperature range. Better for colder weather starts below 40°F. May increase oil consumption.
About Ask This Old House TV: From the makers of This Old House, America’s first and most trusted home improvement show, Ask This Old House answers the steady stream of home improvement questions asked by viewers across the United States. Covering topics from landscaping to electrical to HVAC and plumbing to painting and more. Ask This Old House features the experts from This Old House, including general contractor Tom Silva, plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey, landscape contractor Jenn Nawada, master carpenter Norm Abram, and host Kevin O’Connor. ASK This Old House helps you protect and preserve your greatest investment—your home.
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Gas Mower Maintenance 101 | Ask This Old House
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